JPH0430778A - Drying control in laver drying and laver dryer - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To eliminate excessive drying and to obtain high quality dried laver without requiring humidifying because raw material laver can be dried while maintaining temperature of drying under the sun, by setting a drying method and a drying condition by a specific procedure. CONSTITUTION:First in drying raw material laver by introducing laver drainboards into a drying chamber, plural drying methods are preset. Then, temperature and humidity of the open air are detected from a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor and evaporation rate is calculated from these values. A drying time of the raw material laver is obtained from the evaporation rate and water content of the raw material laver. Successively, one drying method is selected from the above-mentioned plural drying methods and transporting speed of the laver drainboards is determined by the drying time.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention] [Industrial field of application and overview of the invention]

The present invention relates to a drying control method for drying seaweed and a seaweed drying apparatus. In drying seaweed using a dry seaweed manufacturing apparatus, a low-temperature drying method with a drying temperature of, for example, 15 to 20°C is employed. As the low-temperature drying method, select either a natural drying method that does not require a heat source or a drying method that uses a heat source. When selecting a drying method, the temperature and humidity of the outside air (hereinafter referred to as outside air), including inside the drying shed, is detected using a temperature sensor and humidity sensor, and the evaporation rate is calculated, and the evaporation rate is calculated based on this evaporation rate and the water content of the seaweed. The drying time of the nori raw algae is calculated. Based on this drying time, one of the drying methods described above is selected and the transport speed of the seaweed cage is determined. A seaweed water content measuring device is installed in the middle of the transportation path of the seaweed cage, and the water content of the seaweed raw algae measured by the device is compared with the water content that has been predicted and set in advance. Correct the conveyance speed to either increase or decrease. In addition, a means for detecting temperature and humidity is installed at an appropriate position in the drying room, and the temperature and humidity signals are compared with the temperature and humidity set values set in advance as the optimum drying conditions. In the case of humidity, the heating device is turned off, and in the case of humidity, the intake damper is turned off.
Open and close the exhaust damper.

[Conventional technology]

Conventional, common drying of seaweed raw algae is carried out indoors (inside a drying shed) using a seaweed drying device. The drying temperature is approximately 35°C to 50°C (hereinafter referred to as high temperature drying method). In terms of the quality of the seaweed, it is better to dry it for a long time using a low temperature drying method such as sun drying. However, due to problems such as labor, production volume, and production time, the reality is that mass production is carried out using a high-temperature drying method using the seaweed drying equipment mentioned above. Regarding the control method of seaweed drying equipment, in terms of temperature, it is common to use a temperature regulator to control the heating device, and in terms of humidity, it is controlled by variable speed and variable displacement of a circulation fan, and even a humidifier. has been done.

[Problems to be solved by the invention]

However, with the above-mentioned high-temperature drying method, a large amount of fuel is required to raise the drying temperature, and quality deterioration occurs due to high-temperature drying.Furthermore, drying defects (cracking, shrinkage, etc.) occur due to a decrease in relative humidity. There is an issue. In addition, conventional nori drying equipment does not have a mechanism to check the state during drying, so the drying state is not known until the seaweed comes out of the drying room, and sometimes the transport of the seaweed frame has to be temporarily stopped because the seaweed is not yet dry. .

[Purpose of the invention]

Therefore, the object of the present invention is to reduce the solar drying temperature to 15, for example.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a drying control method that enables drying of seaweed algae while maintaining a drying temperature of about 20°C. Another object of the present invention is to provide a seaweed drying device capable of drying seaweed algae while maintaining the above-mentioned solar drying temperature.

[Structure of the invention]

The structure of the invention taken to achieve the above object is as follows. In the first invention, in which a seaweed cage is transported in a drying room to dry the seaweed raw algae, a plurality of drying methods are set in advance, and the temperature and humidity of the outside air are measured using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. detecting and calculating the evaporation rate, calculating the drying time of the nori algae from this evaporation rate and the water content of the nori algae, and selecting one drying method from the plurality of drying methods based on this drying time. This is a drying control method for drying seaweed that determines the transport speed of the seaweed cage. In the second invention, in which a seaweed cage is transported in a drying room to dry the seaweed raw algae, a plurality of drying methods are set in advance, and the temperature and humidity of the outside air are measured using a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. detecting and calculating the evaporation rate, calculating the drying time of the nori algae from this evaporation rate and the water content of the nori algae, and selecting one drying method from the plurality of drying methods based on this drying time. The transport speed of the seaweed cage was determined, and a seaweed water content measurement device was installed along the transport path of the seaweed cage, and the water content of the seaweed raw algae measured by the device was compared with the water content predicted and set in advance. ,
This is a drying control method that increases or decreases the transportation speed of the seaweed cage depending on the water content. In the third invention, in a device for drying seaweed algae by transporting a seaweed cage in a drying room, a) a means for detecting outside air temperature b) a means for sensing outside air humidity C) a temperature signal and a humidity signal d) Means for calculating the drying time from the evaporation rate and the water content of seaweed algae. e) A method for calculating the drying time from the drying time, one of the following drying methods: natural drying, natural drying and heat drying, and heat drying. Means for selecting two drying methods f) Means for determining the transportation speed of the seaweed basin from the drying time and drying method g) Means for measuring the moisture content of seaweed during drying h) Means for determining the moisture content measurement signal and preset drying This is a seaweed drying device that is equipped with means for comparing the moisture content with a numerical value indicating the degree of moisture content and correcting the conveyance speed. According to the fourth invention, in a device for drying seaweed algae by transporting a seaweed cage in a drying room, a) a means for detecting outside air temperature b) a means for sensing outside air humidity C) a temperature signal and a humidity signal d) Means for calculating the drying time from the evaporation rate and the water content of seaweed algae. e) A method for calculating the drying time from the drying time, one of the following drying methods: natural drying, natural drying and heat drying, and heat drying. Means for selecting two drying methods f) Means for determining the transportation speed of the seaweed basin from the drying time and drying method g) Means for measuring the moisture content of seaweed during drying h) Means for determining the moisture content measurement signal and preset drying Means for correcting the conveyance speed by comparing the moisture content with numerical values indicating the degree of drying; i) Means for detecting temperature and humidity installed in an appropriate device in the drying chamber; j) Means for detecting temperature and humidity signals; Compares the temperature and humidity set values set in advance as the optimum drying conditions, and depending on the difference, the heating device is turned off in the case of temperature, and the intake damper and exhaust damper are opened and closed in the case of humidity. This is a seaweed drying device.

【Example】

The present invention will be explained in detail with reference to embodiments shown in the drawings. FIG. 1 is a schematic front view showing the internal structure of the seaweed drying device, and FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of FIG. 1. Reference numeral 1 denotes a seaweed drying apparatus, which includes a first drying chamber (hereinafter referred to as the upper drying chamber) 10 and a second drying chamber (hereinafter referred to as the lower drying chamber) 11. A partition wall 13 is provided between the chambers 11 to separate each drying chamber. The upper drying chamber 10 and the lower drying chamber 11 are provided with an upper conveyor 14 and a lower conveyor 15, respectively, which are intermittently driven by a conveyor motor 17 (shown in FIG. 8). The upper drying chamber 10 and the lower drying chamber 11 are provided with intake dampers 101 and 111 and exhaust dampers 102 and 1, respectively.
12 is provided, and a solenoid (actuator) is provided.
(not shown). In addition, the intake damper 10
1 and the upper drying chamber 10, and between the intake damper 111 and the lower drying chamber 11, heating devices H1 and H2 such as electric heaters and heavy oil burners are arranged, respectively. Integrated temperature and humidity sensors 18 and 1 are installed at appropriate positions in the upper drying chamber IO and the lower drying chamber 11 to detect temperature and humidity, respectively.
9 is the installation. In addition, temperature and humidity sensors 18 and 19
does not have to be a body type. Seaweed moisture content measuring devices 2 are provided at required positions on the upper conveyor 14 and the lower conveyor 15, and can be used selectively as needed. Please refer to FIGS. 3 and 4. The seaweed water content measuring device 2 includes a lifting rod 20, which is arranged on both sides of the upper conveyor 14 and the lower conveyor 15 in the width direction. A load converter 21 is disposed at the upper end of each of the lifting rods 20, and lifts both ends of the lower part of the cage frame 100 to measure the entire weight of the cage frame 100 with the nori cage 100a attached. This makes it possible to measure water content. The lower end of the lifting rod 20 is in contact with a cam 22, and the lifting rod 20 moves up and down following the movement of the cam 22. The cam 22 is driven by a motor 24 via a belt 23. The screen frame 100 is sequentially sent to the position of the seaweed moisture content measuring device 2 while being moved intermittently. When a drive signal is sent from the microcomputer 3 to the motor 24 at required intervals, the motor 24 rotates. This rotates the cam 22, raises and lowers the lifting rod 20, and the load converter 21 measures the weight of the screen frame 100. The measurement signal is sent from the load converter 21 to the microcomputer 3. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the liquid between the upper drying chamber and the lower drying chamber. A rotary transfer body 16 with transfer arms 160 provided at equal intervals is provided between the terminal end of the upper transfer conveyor 14 and the start end of the lower transfer conveyor 15, and the cage frames 100 that have fallen from the upper transfer conveyor +4 are transferred to the transfer arms 160. and transfer it to the lower conveyor 15. FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing control commands, and FIG. 7 is a flow chart showing the order of control. A series of controls of the drying device are performed by a microcomputer 3. Outside temperature sensor 4. Outside air humidity sensor5. The load converter 21 and temperature/humidity sensors 18 and 19 are connected to the microcomputer 3. Further, solenoids which are actuators for the carrier 17, the heating devices H1 and H2, the intake dampers 101 and 111, and the exhaust damper 102112 are connected to the microcomputer 3. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing conveyance motor control, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing humidity control, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing temperature control. The apparatus according to this embodiment will be explained with reference to these figures. When adopting the low-temperature drying method, we set a target drying time (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours), and there are three methods: natural drying without a heat source, drying with a heat source, and drying with a combination of both. The drying method can be set in advance and selected. This selection is made by the microcomputer 3. The sources of information that determine the selection of the drying method are the outside air conditions (outside air temperature and humidity) and the initial water content of the seaweed raw algae that has been dehydrated using a dehydrator. Information on outside air conditions is detected by an outside air temperature sensor 4 and an outside air temperature sensor 5, and is sent to the microcomputer 3. The memory of the microcomputer 3 stores the experimental data up to now, and if the outside air conditions are detected by the outside air temperature sensor 4 and the outside air temperature sensor 5, the evaporation rate (g/filin) at the initial stage of drying is calculated. can. Furthermore, the time required for drying can be calculated from this evaporation rate and the initial moisture content of the dehydrated seaweed.
This is the condition for selecting the drying method. An electronic balance 6 is used to measure the initial moisture content of seaweed raw algae, and the measured value is manually input to the microcomputer 3 via a manual device (not shown). (11 If you select the natural drying method. If the drying time calculated using the above method is shorter than the target drying time (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours), select the natural drying method and perform the nori drying process. We will implement it.Kan frame 10
The conveying speed of 0 is set so that the sheet passes through the drying chamber in the calculated drying time, and the signal is sent to the conveying motor 17. The conveyance speed of the screen frame 100 is automatically controlled depending on the situation. That is, the water content of the seaweed is measured by the seaweed water content measurement device 2 installed at an appropriate location during the drying process and corrected for changes in outside air conditions over time, and sent to the microcomputer 3. The microcomputer 3 compares the water content with a previously predicted water content, and depending on the degree of the difference, sends a control signal to the transport motor 17 to correct the screen frame transport speed to either increase or decrease. Note that if the water content of the seaweed is the same as the predicted water content, no correction is made. This correction is periodically and repeatedly performed until the seaweed cage 100a, which is the object to be dried, disappears from the drying chamber. Next, the drying chamber is controlled in terms of two points: temperature and humidity, but since the drying chamber is a natural drying method, no control is performed on the temperature. Regarding humidity, the humidity in the drying room is detected by temperature/humidity sensors 18 and 19 installed at appropriate locations in the drying room, and the optimum humidity setting (upper drying room 10 and ), if the humidity is high, the intake dampers 101, 111 and the exhaust dampers 102, 112 are opened, and if the humidity is low, the intake dampers 10 are opened.
1, 111 and exhaust dampers 102, 112 are controlled to close. In this way, the intake dampers 101 and 111 and the exhaust dampers 102 and 112 are controlled to open and close individually or in combination so that they approach the set value. (2) When low-temperature drying using a heat source is selected. If the drying time calculated above is longer than the target drying time, the microcomputer 3 Decide and choose low-temperature drying using a heat source. In the case of this drying method, in order to achieve the target drying time (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours),
Using a combustion burner, electric heater, etc.), the temperature of the drying chamber is raised to about 15 to 20 degrees Celsius to carry out the drying process. The conveyance speed of the screen frame 100 is set to a speed at which the screen frame 100 passes through the drying chamber in a drying time calculated from the temperature-increased conditions. The conveyance speed of this screen frame 100 is automatically controlled according to the situation, similar to the natural drying method. In order to turn on the heat source, the temperature in the drying chamber is controlled by detecting the temperature inside the drying chamber using the temperature and humidity sensors 18 and 19 and sending it to the microcomputer 3. The microcomputer 3 compares the temperature with the pre-memorized set temperature considered to be optimal (set for both the upper drying chamber 10 and the lower drying chamber 11), and if the temperature is higher, the heating device) (1, H2 is set to If the temperature is low, a human control signal is sent to the heating devices H1, H2 (7:! Single or combined control is performed to bring the control close to the set value. Note that the humidity is controlled by opening and closing the intake dampers 101, 111 and the exhaust dampers 102, 112, as in the case of the natural drying method. It is separated into two parts.In addition, there is an intake damper 1 for each.
01,111, exhaust damper 102112, heating device H1
, H2, and temperature/humidity sensors 18 and 19 are provided. Therefore, if the calculated drying time is slightly longer than the target, in order to reduce wasted heat source consumption,
Have the children choose a drying method that combines a natural drying method and a drying method that uses a heat source. In the case of this method, for example, the upper drying chamber 10 is a natural drying method and the lower drying chamber 11 is a drying method using a heat source, but the reverse is also possible. Drying control in this case is performed according to each of the drying methods described above. It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiment, and many modifications can be made within the scope of the claims.

【Effect of the invention】

The present invention has the above configuration and has the following effects. (1) According to the invention, for example, the solar drying temperature is 15
Since seaweed raw algae can be dried while maintaining a drying temperature of ~20°C, there is no over-drying that occurs with conventional high-temperature drying methods, and therefore there is no need to control humidification, etc., and it is possible to obtain dried seaweed of good quality. I can do it. (2) If the natural drying method is selected as the drying method, no heat source is required, so energy waste can be avoided. Furthermore,
Since the control means automatically selects the optimal drying method according to the outside air conditions, not only does it save time and effort, but also wasteful consumption of heat sources can be reduced. (3) By detecting the temperature and humidity during drying, the initial water content of seaweed raw algae, and the water content during drying, and varying the transport speed of the cage frame according to the detection signal, the generation of undried seaweed is improved. There is no need to temporarily stop the transportation of
It is possible to make the seaweed drying process uniform. (4) By reflecting the drying characteristics of seaweed in drying control, it is possible to make control decisions up to drying by measuring the moisture content during drying, enabling fine-grained control and improving the quality of dried seaweed.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Figure 1 is a schematic front view showing the internal structure of the seaweed drying device, Figure 2 is a schematic cross-sectional side view of Figure 1, Figures 3 and 4 are schematic explanatory diagrams of the seaweed moisture content measuring device, and Figure 5. The figure is an explanatory diagram showing the movement of the net between the upper and lower drying chambers, Figure 6 is a block diagram showing control commands, Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the control order, and Figure 8 is conveyance. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing motor control, FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing humidity control, and FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing temperature control. 1: Nori dryer 2: Seaweed moisture content measuring device 3: Microcomputer 4: Outside air temperature sensor 5: Outside air temperature sensor 14: Upper conveyor 15: Lower conveyor conveyor 17: Drive motor 18.19: Temperature/humidity sensor 101.111・Intake damper 102.112: Exhaust damper Hl, H2: Heating device

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1. In an apparatus for transporting seaweed cages in a drying room and drying seaweed algae, a plurality of drying methods are set in advance, and the temperature and humidity of the outside air are detected by a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor. calculate the evaporation rate, calculate the drying time of the nori algae from this evaporation rate and the water content of the nori algae, select one drying method from the plurality of drying methods based on this drying time, and A drying control method for drying seaweed, the method comprising determining the transport speed of a seaweed cage. 2. When drying seaweed algae by transporting seaweed cages in a drying room, multiple drying methods are set in advance, and the temperature and humidity of the outside air are detected by a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor to calculate the evaporation rate. Then, the drying time of the nori algae is calculated from this evaporation rate and the water content of the nori algae, and one drying method is selected from the plurality of drying methods based on this drying time, and the transportation speed of the nori cage is determined. Furthermore, a seaweed water content measuring device is installed in the middle of the transport path of the seaweed cage, and the water content of the seaweed raw algae measured by the device is compared with the water content predicted and set in advance, and the amount of water content is determined. A drying control method for drying seaweed, characterized by increasing or decreasing the transport speed of a seaweed cage. 3. In a device that transports seaweed cages in a drying room and dries seaweed raw algae, a) a means for detecting outside air temperature b) a means for sensing outside air humidity c) calculating an evaporation rate from a temperature signal and a humidity signal Means d) Means for calculating the drying time from the evaporation rate and water content of the seaweed alga e) Means for selecting one drying method from the drying methods of natural drying, natural drying and heat drying, and heat drying from the drying time. f) Means for determining the transportation speed of the seaweed cage from the drying time and drying method; g) Means for measuring the moisture content of seaweed during drying; h) Comparing the moisture content measurement signal with a preset numerical value indicating the degree of drying. 1. A seaweed drying device characterized by comprising means for comparing the amount of water content and correcting the conveyance speed. 4. In a device that transports seaweed cages in a drying room and dries seaweed algae, a) a means for detecting outside air temperature b) a means for sensing outside air humidity c) calculating an evaporation rate from a temperature signal and a humidity signal Means d) Means for calculating the drying time from the evaporation rate and water content of the seaweed alga e) Means for selecting one drying method from the drying methods of natural drying, natural drying and heat drying, and heat drying from the drying time. f) Means for determining the transportation speed of the seaweed cage from the drying time and drying method; g) Means for measuring the moisture content of seaweed during drying; h) Comparing the moisture content measurement signal with a preset numerical value indicating the degree of drying. (i) A means for detecting temperature and humidity installed at an appropriate position in the drying chamber. The seaweed is characterized by being equipped with a means for comparing the set values of temperature and humidity, and depending on the difference, turning on/off a heating device in the case of temperature, and opening/closing an intake damper and an exhaust damper in the case of humidity. drying equipment.